You Might Not Know But...

I thought I would devote this entry to clearing up some common misconceptions about living in Kuwait

• I don't have to wear a burka/abiya/jihab Kuwait does not require women to wear any of these traditional Muslim clothing, unlike many other countries (Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan).  Western women do however receive a lot of attention from men.  It is respectful to cover your shoulders but I have seen many women in tank tops.    
• It's not always a dry heat Oh how I hate the people who told me it was a "dry" heat.  Not that they were completely wrong, it can be a dry heat.  Just like it can be a humid heat.  On those days it is absolutely unbearable.  114 degrees it hot enough but then throw humidity on top of that...it's just not right.  Those are when you hit the "feels like" 135 degree days.  
• I can get about any food Since this is a country where drinking is illegal I think that they overcompensate with food.  There are tons of different western chains here (Chili's, Hard Rock, Pizzeria Uno, Macaroni Grille, all of the fast food chains).  There is also a big grocery store chain that caters specifically to it's western clientele. Of course no pork products.  I find it much easier to get food and groceries that I am familiar with than it was in Scotland.  Don't get me wrong though...the local and regional cuisine is fantastic and I have definitely been taking advantage of it.  
• Kuwait is a safe city I know people assume that because Kuwait is in the Middle East then it must be dangerous.  The crime rate is ridiculously low because most people have so much money there is no need for it.  
• Kuwaitis love their malls There are so many damn malls here in all forms.  There is a Titanic mall (literally shaped like the ship), a 360 mall (forms a circle), Marina Mall (on the water), The Avenues (has everything from IKEA, Gap, Mac, Apple, Forever 21, 5 Starbucks-probably one of the biggest and nicest malls I have ever been to).  Those are just to name a few.  Again, if you can't drink and you have a lot of money what else is there to do?  
• Cats not rats Kuwait is not a clean city by any stretch.  In the five minute walk to work every morning I pass about 8 dumpsters that are in the street.  These are overran by feral cats.  Which do not look like the average American house cat.  They are almost sphinxish in appearance.